If you're asking when do Chicago Bulls play next, you've probably realized that checking the NBA schedule mid-season feels like a full-time job. Honestly, the 2025-26 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster for Chicago fans, and missing a game because of a weird 6:00 PM start time is the worst.
The short answer? The Bulls are back at the United Center on Sunday, January 18, 2026. They'll be hosting the Brooklyn Nets with tip-off set for 6:00 PM CST.
It’s a big one.
The Nets (12-27) are struggling on the road, while the Bulls (19-22) are desperately trying to climb back to .500 and secure a solid Play-In spot. If you aren’t heading to the Madhouse on Madison, you can catch the action on the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).
The Upcoming Bulls Schedule: January 2026
After the Nets game, the schedule doesn't get any easier. You've basically got a gauntlet of playoff contenders and star-studded rosters coming to town. Here is what the next few weeks look like for the Windy City team.
On Tuesday, January 20, the LA Clippers roll into Chicago for a 7:00 PM game. Then the team hits the road for a quick trip to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, January 22.
But circle Saturday, January 24 on your calendar in red ink.
That’s the night the Boston Celtics visit, but more importantly, it's the Derrick Rose Jersey Retirement night. Ticket prices are already spiking—some nosebleeds are listed for over $200—because every Bulls fan wants to see #1 go up into the rafters. It’s going to be emotional. No doubt about it.
Following that ceremony, the Los Angeles Lakers arrive on Monday, January 26 at 7:00 PM. Watching LeBron James and Anthony Davis (a Chicago native, remember) at the United Center is always a spectacle, even if you're just there to boo the purple and gold.
Why This Stretch Matters for Chicago
The Bulls are in a weird spot. Josh Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu have shown flashes of brilliance, but the consistency just isn't there yet. Nikola Vučević is still doing his thing in the paint, but the East is crowded this year.
Missing games right now means missing the "identity building" phase.
Key Matchups and Home Stands
Usually, teams thrive on these long home stretches. Between January 18 and January 26, the Bulls play four out of five games at the United Center. If they want to be taken seriously in the postseason conversation, they have to win at least three of those.
Losing to the Nets on Sunday would be a massive blow to morale.
The Rescheduled Games Mess
You might have noticed some confusion regarding the Miami Heat games. Due to some scheduling shifts, the Bulls will now play the Miami Heat at home on Thursday, January 29 (originally slated for earlier in the month). Then they fly to Miami for a back-to-back on January 31 and February 1.
It’s a logistical nightmare for the players. Three games against Jimmy Butler and the Heat in four days? That’s basically a mini-playoff series in the middle of winter.
Watching the Bulls: Broadcast and Tickets
If you're trying to figure out how to watch, it’s mostly through Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). They’re carrying 78 games this season. For the national audience, the next big televised window is February 5 against the Raptors, which will be on Prime Video.
For those looking for tickets:
- Cheap Seats: The Nets (Jan 18) and Pacers (Jan 28) games have tickets starting as low as $14 to $24.
- Premium Nights: Expect to pay a massive premium for the Celtics/Derrick Rose night and the Lakers game.
- Parking: If you’re driving to the United Center, just pre-pay. Seriously. Finding a spot on the street in the West Loop in January is a losing game.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Bulls Schedule
A common misconception is that the "soft" part of the schedule is over. It isn't. The NBA schedule is cyclical. While the Bulls have had a rough January so far—including that nail-biter 128-126 win over the Utah Jazz on the 14th—the February stretch actually looks more manageable once they get past the Heat and Celtics.
Keep an eye on the injury report. This roster isn't deep enough to handle a major loss in the backcourt, especially with the heavy minutes Coby White has been logging.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you're planning to attend the Derrick Rose ceremony on January 24, buy your tickets now before they hit the secondary market stratosphere. If you're just watching from home, make sure your CHSN app is updated, as they've been pushing frequent patches to the streaming interface this season.
Check the tip-off times specifically for the Sunday games; that 6:00 PM start for the Nets game is earlier than the standard weekday 7:00 PM slots.